What Is Hiatal Hernia: An Overview

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A hiatal hernia develops when a portion of your stomach passes through an opening in your diaphragm, potentially causing complications in your esophagus

There are three main types of hiatal hernia that you can develop. These are sliding hiatal hernia, paraesophageal hiatal hernia and strangulated hernia

A hiatal hernia develops when a portion of your stomach passes through an opening in your diaphragm, potentially causing complications in your esophagus. There are several organs involved in this condition:1

Esophagus — The tube where food passes down to your stomach

Diaphragm — A large muscle that sits between your stomach and the lungs. Its purpose is to separate the digestive organs from the upper chest organs. It’s also the muscle responsible for breathing2

Hiatus — A small opening in the diaphragm that allows the esophagus to reach the stomach

3 Types of Hiatal Hernia You Can Develop

Sliding hiatal hernia — This occurs when the herniated portion of the stomach slides up and down through the hiatus when you swallow.

Paraesophageal hiatal hernia — This is the opposite of a sliding hiatal hernia. In this situation, a portion of the stomach is fixed above the hiatus, which is why it is sometimes known as fixed hiatal hernia.

Strangulated hernia — Strangulated hernia is a possible complication that can arise from paraesophageal hiatal hernia. This is occurs when the hernia becomes strangled and the blood supply is cut off. Eventually, this causes tissue to die, and you will need immediate medical treatment to remedy the situation.

How Is a Hiatal Hernia Diagnosed?

• Esophagram or barium swallow — An esophagram tests the functionality of your esophagus. This will help your doctor pinpoint possible issues in your diaphragm, such as a hiatal hernia or if there are any strangled organs.

You will need to drink a liquid mixed with barium before taking an X-ray exam. The resulting X-ray images will highlight your digestive tract, making the diagnosis easier and faster.

• Endoscopy — A small tube equipped with a flashlight and video camera at the tip will be inserted down your throat. It will be used to examine the extensiveness of the hernia and look for any possible physical damage.

• Manometry — A catheter will be inserted in your nose and down to your stomach. It will take pressure and movement readings from your esophagus.

Treatment Methods Available for Hiatal Hernia

There are various ways to treat a hiatal hernia. Usually, the first recommendation is to eat smaller meals throughout the day. This will help put less strain on your stomach, while still being able to meet your daily nutritional needs. Other recommended methods include exercising to help remove excess weight on your chest, and avoiding foods that can cause heartburn such as tomatoes, onions, spicy foods and alcohol.8

It’s possible to repair hiatal hernia through surgery. However, it should only be discussed as a last resort if all other treatments have failed, due to the risk of developing complications in the future. If you choose to undergo surgery, discuss with your doctor the best method to repair your hernia with the lowest risks involved.9

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Disclaimer: The entire contents of this website are based upon the opinions of Dr. Mercola, unless otherwise noted. Individual articles are based upon the opinions of the respective author, who retains copyright as marked. The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. It is intended as a sharing of knowledge and information from the research and experience of Dr. Mercola and his community. Dr. Mercola encourages you to make your own health care decisions based upon your research and in partnership with a qualified health care professional. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition, consult your health care professional before using products based on this content.

If you want to use an article on your site please click here. This content may be copied in full, with copyright, contact, creation and information intact, without specific permission, when used only in a not-for-profit format. If any other use is desired, permission in writing from Dr. Mercola is required.